Provided that you know how to properly care for them, cats make absolutely delightful pets. As the owner of a cat, you have the responsibility of making sure your cat has everything it needs to enjoy life. The following article is chock full of handy cat care advice.
You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
Electrical Cords
Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.
It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. Provide your cat with a few high places it can uses. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.
The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Both you and your cat will be happier.
A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. Think about putting a placemat underneath the bowl or make your own tablecloth out of fabric.
Always watch a kitten around small kids. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.
Cats love high spots. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats out in the wild like to drink from running water, so they would like that at home too. Cats prefer to drink water that is streaming. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. This applies even to indoor cats. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.
Happy dogs wag their tail. Cats wag their tail as well, but have different reasons psychologically. Tail-wagging in cats tends to suggest conflict or anxiety. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.
While cats are awesome pets, you have to make sure you take care of them properly. Use what you learned here for a happy and healthy cat. With a little love and effort, your cat is sure to have a happy and healthy life.